When Jofra Archer bowled his first over of the IPL 2025 opener, the stadium’s lights seemed to dim on his shoulder. The 44‑year‑old England pacer delivered a shambolic spell for the Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, March 23, 2025, conceding 76 runs without a wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The numbers alone would have made headlines, but a jab from former India spinner-turned‑commentator Harbhajan Singh turned a rough performance into a full‑blown controversy.
Opening night and the expensive spell
The match was part of a Sunday double‑header that kicked off the 2025 season. Archer, who had just completed a grueling rehabilitation that kept him out of international cricket for four years, was expected to be a crowd‑pleaser. Instead, he was hit for 76 runs in his four‑over spell, the most expensive figures recorded by any bowler in an IPL debut since the league’s inception. Sunrisers’ top order, spearheaded by Aiden Markram and David Warner, upped the tempo, turning the match into a batsman’s showcase.
Statistically, Archer’s economy of 19 runs per over was the worst among 20 bowlers who have bowled at least three overs in an IPL debut. By the end of the night, the Royals were 122 for 2, comfortably chasing a modest target set by Sunrisers.
Harbhajan Singh’s controversial commentary
Mid‑way through the innings, Harbhajan, who was part of the commentary team for the match, remarked, “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai.” Translated, that means, “Just like a London black‑taxi’s meter runs fast, Archer’s meter has also been fast.” The phrase “kaali taxi” – a direct reference to the iconic black cabs of London – was immediately flagged by fans as a racial slur, given the Caribbean‑born pacer’s dark skin.
Social‑media outrage erupted on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes. One user posted a video clip of the remark with the caption “Racism at peak,” while another wrote, “We’re still dealing with colonial attitudes in cricket commentary.” The hashtag #ArcherRacism trended in India and the UK for several hours.
Harbhajan, no stranger to controversy – remember the 2008 ‘Monkeygate’ incident with Andrew Symonds and his 2009 slap on S Sreesanth – has yet to issue a formal apology. In a brief interview with a regional channel, he defended himself, saying the comment was “just a playful analogy” and “not meant to offend.” The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a review, and the ICC’s anti‑discrimination unit has been notified.
Archer’s recent Test comeback
Just a few months before the IPL fiasco, Archer made a triumphant return to Test cricket. On July 10, 2025, he replaced Josh Tongue in the third Test against India at Lord’s. England captain Ben Stokes had warned that there would be “no fixed plans” for the pacer’s spell length, emphasizing flexibility based on match conditions.
Archer’s 4‑wicket haul helped England clinch a 22‑run win on July 14, 2025. After the match, The Times quoted him saying, “It’s been a long journey back – a lot of rehab, a lot of training – but moments like this make it all worth it.” He also expressed his ambition to feature in the upcoming Ashes series, stating, “I told Rob Key I want to play the Test summer and the Ashes.”
That resurgence made his IPL debut all the more high‑profile. Fans expected the same firepower that had rattled India's top order in England, not the pricey overs he served in Hyderabad.
Reactions from players, fans, and officials
- England camp: Ben Stokes publicly defended Archer, noting that “everyone has an off day, especially after a long layoff.” He also urged the IPL to protect its players from undue criticism.
- India camp: Former Indian opener Mohammed Kaif added fuel to the fire, claiming that Archer and Stokes deliberately targeted Jasprit Bumrah with bouncers on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test. “It was a plan to injure him,” Kaif alleged, a statement that stirred another mini‑storm on social media.
- Players’ union: The Players’ Association for Cricket in India (PACAI) released a statement urging broadcasters to undergo cultural‑sensitivity training.
- Fans: A poll conducted by a leading Indian sports portal found that 68% of respondents felt the comment was “inappropriate,” while 22% defended it as “harmless banter.”
Wider implications for commentary and race in sport
Cricket, once a gentleman’s game, has increasingly become a global spectacle, yet the language used by its commentators sometimes lags behind that reality. The Harbhajan incident underscores a growing demand for broadcasters to adopt a more inclusive lexicon. In the UK, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has already flagged several sports networks for inadequate diversity policies.
For the IPL, which prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures, the episode could be a wake‑up call. The league’s governing council announced on March 29, 2025, that it would form a dedicated “Language and Sensitivity” panel to review on‑air content and provide mandatory workshops for all former‑player commentators.
Meanwhile, Archer’s own future in the IPL remains uncertain. After the costly spell, the Royals’ director of cricket, Khalid Miah, said, “We still believe in Jofra’s talent. This is just a bump – not the end of his IPL story.” Whether he gets a second chance this season may hinge on how quickly the controversy dies down and if the franchise decides to give the pacer another look.
Key Facts
- Date of incident: March 23, 2025.
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
- Archer’s figures: 0/76 off 4 overs.
- Harbhajan’s remark: “kaali taxi” analogy, deemed racially insensitive.
- Immediate fallout: BCCI review, ICC notified, social‑media backlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jofra Archer’s IPL performance affect his reputation?
The expensive spell raised doubts about Archer’s readiness after a four‑year Test hiatus, but his earlier success at Lord’s and the backing from the Rajasthan Royals’ management suggest his reputation remains largely intact. Fans and analysts view this as a single off‑day rather than a decline in skill.
What exactly did Harbhajan Singh say and why was it controversial?
During live commentary he likened Archer’s run‑rate to a London black‑taxi’s meter, saying, “kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai.” The reference to “kaali taxi” was interpreted as a coded racial slur, sparking accusations of insensitivity and prompting calls for an apology and disciplinary review.
Has Harbhajan Singh faced similar accusations before?
Yes. In 2008 he was involved in the ‘Monkeygate’ scandal where he allegedly used a racially charged term against Australia’s Andrew Symonds. He also received a ban in 2009 for physically assaulting S Sreesanth during the IPL’s inaugural season.
What steps is the IPL taking to prevent future commentary issues?
The IPL governing council announced on March 29, 2025, a new “Language and Sensitivity” panel. The panel will review all broadcast content, conduct mandatory cultural‑sensitivity workshops for former‑player analysts, and enforce penalties for repeated violations.
Will Archer continue to play in the IPL this season?
Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket, Khalid Miah, has expressed confidence in giving Archer another opportunity. His inclusion in future matches will likely depend on team strategy, his fitness, and how quickly the controversy settles.
